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In the light of those comments and your earlier comment about balance, will you define what success the Executive has had in preparing RIAs? On the other side of the coin, what obstacles has the Executive faced in preparing RIAs?
The emphasis rests on the first two questions, because even where we support prosperity—for example, in west Edinburgh—investment in infrastructure tends to lag behind. That is why one academic has coined the term "planning backwards".The minister highlighted the issue of long-term decision making not just on transport but on water and drainage.
Our role tends be that of providing independent scientific scrutiny. The other side of the coin is that providing more information to objectors could mean unending costs and many consultants could make a lot of money.
Until a year ago, I produced a rolling three-year plan that I published on the website. I issued that to the Justice Department in December or January.
During that same period, Scotland's share of the UK population of businesses dropped to 7 per cent, even though we have 8.5 per cent of the population.
The Fraser of Allander Institute for Research on the Scottish Economy, in its quarterly economic commentary, projected a 7 per cent gross domestic product growth in Scotland for 2001 and a 1.2 per cent figure for 2002.
I must get on.If a comprehensive physical education programme were implemented in our primary schools, fewer than 8 per cent of Scotland's boys and 7 per cent of Scotland's girls would be considered obese.